overpopulation
noun
over·pop·u·la·tion
ˌō-vər-ˌpä-pyə-ˈlā-shən 
: the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
Examples of overpopulation in a Sentence
He is studying the problem of deer overpopulation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quick Read Deep Read ( 7 Min. ) March 29, 2024
After a century in which the global population grew almost fourfold to 6.2 billion people, stoking fears of overpopulation, conflict, and ecological collapse, a turning point awaits.
—
Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Mar. 2024
In 2023, Maryland has reported higher costs for car repairs from deer collisions, making deer overpopulation an economical issue as well as an environmental issue for Maryland residents.
—Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2024
As part of its efforts to reduce overpopulation, MADACC spays and neuters all dogs and cats before they are adopted.
—Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024
Bird believes returning jaguars to the Southwest would bring balance back to ecosystems, as apex predators prevent overpopulation of species lower in the food chain.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024
Even the healthiest deer live hard lives, and certain conditions — like food scarcity, brutal winter weather, drought, overpopulation, etc. — can make deer vulnerable to illness, parasites, and injury.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 29 Feb. 2024
Most of the time, the people who approached wanted to know if the demonstration had to do with overpopulation and climate change.
—Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
Home to hundreds of endemic species and 28 million people, the biome is threatened by desertification in large part by an overpopulation of grazing animals.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Jan. 2024
The law eases two crises plaguing the city Advertisement
Passing the ordinance eases two crises plaguing the city: homelessness and animal shelter overpopulation, the L.A. Times’ Angie Orellana Hernandez reported.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024
Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Mar. 2024
In 2023, Maryland has reported higher costs for car repairs from deer collisions, making deer overpopulation an economical issue as well as an environmental issue for Maryland residents.
—Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2024
As part of its efforts to reduce overpopulation, MADACC spays and neuters all dogs and cats before they are adopted.
—Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024
Bird believes returning jaguars to the Southwest would bring balance back to ecosystems, as apex predators prevent overpopulation of species lower in the food chain.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 1 Mar. 2024
Even the healthiest deer live hard lives, and certain conditions — like food scarcity, brutal winter weather, drought, overpopulation, etc. — can make deer vulnerable to illness, parasites, and injury.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 29 Feb. 2024
Most of the time, the people who approached wanted to know if the demonstration had to do with overpopulation and climate change.
—Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
Home to hundreds of endemic species and 28 million people, the biome is threatened by desertification in large part by an overpopulation of grazing animals.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Jan. 2024
The law eases two crises plaguing the city Advertisement
Passing the ordinance eases two crises plaguing the city: homelessness and animal shelter overpopulation, the L.A. Times’ Angie Orellana Hernandez reported.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overpopulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1802, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near overpopulation
Cite this Entry
“Overpopulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpopulation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
overpopulation
noun
over·pop·u·la·tion
-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən
: the condition of having too many people living in a certain area
Medical Definition
overpopulation
noun
over·pop·u·la·tion
ˌō-vər-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən
: the condition of having a population so dense as to cause environmental deterioration, an impaired quality of life, or a population crash
More from Merriam-Webster on overpopulation
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overpopulation
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